I’ve heard many people suggest that Aman Tokyo is the world’s best city hotel. I was skeptical, especially after our disappointing stay at Amanemu. I was also curious how the Aman concept, which is so heavily based on nature and seclusion, would translate for a city hotel.
Continue reading: Review: Aman Tokyo
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I'm having a hard time placing how this can be the world's best city hotel when it doesn't even sound like a particularly remarkable city hotel.
I think I stayed in the same room as yours 2 years ago. Question: how did you like the bed ? Mine felt like 2 really old and tired mattresses put together. There was a huge bump in the middle and I had to complain about it because I was honestly barely able to sleep. They tried adding more padding on the top but it didn't help much.
Other than that the service at the bar did not go well for me, they forgot about me twice. But other than that , I agree with you, the lobby is breathtaking and I think the room is as well. Spent hours reading on that day bed!
It’s actually considered a pretty big offense not to respect the nude bathing rule in japan. Especially at onsen. I’ve done it with groups of friends when I’ve been there, and that’s what you’re supposed to do. Weird at first but that’s the culture. Kind of arrogant of you not to respect the local culture
The nightly rates are staggering. $1876 on a Monday night in mid-October, for example.
Similar experience. Check out took 20-30 mins, extremely incompetent concierge, probably at 4-star level.
Definitely not up to Ritz Park Pen FS standard.
I agree with @BGriff. The design does look very beautiful, but I'm challenged to think that it could truly be the "world's best city hotel" when you consider the service issues you highlighted. If you read a broad consensus of reviews, you'll see others have noted that the Aman Tokyo isn't quite 100% for the ultra-luxury standard, so your points about them missing turn-down and not being highly personalised were not just one-off mis-steps.
@Justin -- and while the design does look pretty, there are plenty of pretty hotels out there (and tons of pretty spas at high-end hotels). I'm not sure the Aman is even any prettier than the Prince Gallery Tokyo, other than the room being bigger at the Aman than at the PG.
Too bad this didnt include Hoshinoya Tokyo which is literally a block away. I was deciding between Aman and Hoshinoya and ultimately decided with the latter.
Have a hard time seeing this being the best city hotel in the world. Is it a beautifully designed hotel? Yes it is. But I don't know if this is even the best hotel in Tokyo. The Peninsula, Shangri-La, Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton, Mandarin Oriental, and Park Hyatt are all probably better IMO. Hell, with the cost of this, I'd probably have a better time for much better value at the Grand Hyatt in Roppongi.
@Jason I read that more charitably, that maybe they skipped the bath entirely?
Anyway, it's kind of amazing that this simple, clean, austere design aesthetic is considered "Far Eastern luxury" and not more widely in use. The finishings in the room don't seem any more lavish than the average Marriott, but way more tasteful. I had the same impression from my club room at the Grand Hyatt ICN: Why can't more hotels in all but the cheapest price range be like this? Is there really not more of a market in the West for it (setting aside the height or firmness of the bed)?
Same could be said for Japanese breakfast and bento boxes, but maybe it's just me!
@Bgriff: Good point. Tokyo has seen a ton of 5-star skyscraper hotel development over the past decade and many of them are comparably modern, sleek and beautiful. I had great stays at the Palace Hotel and the Capitol Hotel Tokyu which seemed to have a similar design aesthetic as the Aman (lots of greys, clean lines, light-coloured woods, sophisticated stone finishings etc). I still think the Aman's cathedral-like lobby is particularly impressive, but everything I read about it is disappointing considering the price point relative to other new Tokyo 5-stars.
WOW! Just WOW! How can you guys manage to book hotel rooms for $800, or lounge upgrade for $300 as if it was peanuts?????
Are these paid by your corporate employers???
Please let me know as I am definitely not on the right career path to afford even one fifth of these INSANE Rates!!
Ordering 'sausages' for Breakfast or anything that is included in the awful "English Breakfast" in a luxury Japanese property should be a public offense punishable by law.
Your bottom line about "the best city hotel" sounds strange, since your Ritz Carlton review seemed far more glowing.
As this is Aman's first city hotel, I think it would have been a better angle for your review to explore how well you think the brand did in adapting its traditionally resort-oriented brand to a city environment. Labeling it as the world's best city hotel seems like hyperbole, especially when, with respect, you mostly stay at chain hotels and so don't seem to have a lot of experience staying at many of the independent ultra-luxury hotel properties that would likely fall under that heading.
Actually what they say is, "When you're accustomed to privilege, equality feels like oppression.”
My wife and I stopped by for drinks when we visited Tokyo last year. I have to echo Ben's comment that the lobby here is jaw-dropping. It was absolutely an astounding place for an afternoon cocktail, and we maybe/definitely had more drinks than we had originally planned on account of how incredible it was.
Find me at the Hyatt Regency in Shinjuku (better area) for 12,000 points a night (way better value). Great lounge as well.
@GoAmtrak: I completely agree with you.
@Lucky: It is unclear whether you bathed with swimsuits, or whether you refrained from bathing at all. Please clarify,
Sounds horrible that there is a smoking section in the lobby lounge.
@Steven P
Mid-October will be extra-ridiculous given the Rugby World Cup and the Emperor's coronation ceremony are around that time. Later in August is around $900 US and random dates in February were pricing around $1000-1100 US.
Are you going to discuss why Tokyo has overtaken HK for you in any of the reviews? If not, why has it?
@Vanya - I completely agree and based on Lucky’s photos and reviews of both, I would prefer the Ritz option if I had to choose.
I am enjoying these Aman series.
Quite interesting to see how a chain has made it their mission/business model to take people for a ride while pretending to offer "luxury".
Like others mentioned, this doesnt even look like/act like a 4* hotel.
I understand youre loaded, but do you not ever cringe at spending $50 for a 3 little sausages and a spoonful of eggs? Why would anyone eat that in a city that has so many fantastic places to eat?
@Ryan +1 on the Hyatt Regency. I'm a cheapskate too and it was plenty nice for me for free nights. Frequent hotel shuttle to/from Shinjuku which is nice after walking 20K steps/day.
I've only stayed at one Aman at the Summer Palace, Beijing. It was very nice and unique. Quite a treat. Nonetheless, the service was lacking in 2012.
Lucky, was the reader you saw at Park Hyatt Tokyo also naked like you? If so, then what's the problem?
Thank for the solid review. I would love to try out one of these luxury places.
I have some favorites I have stayed at in the past year for around $150-200 range which I can recommend. Candeo Hotels Roppongi, Mitsui Garden Gotanda, and Hamacho Hotel Nihombashi are all new and modern hotels that provide solid city hotel experiences.
@Lucky, I agree with @David in that it's unclear whether or not you refrained from using the spa or if you wore your bathing suit. Either way, the modesty issue can be easily avoided by using a towel (usually a thin, hand towel sized one specifically made for Japanese baths) to cover yourself.
Also, I agree with the other commenters. While it seems like a very nice hotel, calling it the world's best city hotel seems like a stretch.
Gosh. I get that Lucky needed a cold shower after seeing the Aman lobby (but then again, not everybody gets excited over minimalist design). However, absolutely nothing of this seems of value, especially by comparison with the R-C Tokyo, which, in itself, is outrageous in charging those prices for lounge access.
So perplexing how Lucky still goes out of his way to visit overpriced-and-under-delivering Amans, and always complains about them (service in particular) in every review. I can only surmise that he is somehow on the take from Aman.
They are separated by sex in Japan.
At some hotels for free or a small fee you can get a private room that can be shared with a person of the opposite sex.
@gary
I've stayed at the hoshinoya and it blew my mind. It was one of the best hotels I've been too. And while I don't have a bible-sized catalogue of comparison I can say it was extremely good. They discount the rate by 60 percent if you book 5 nights or more so it's still ~400 AUD a night but totally worth every cent! Period.
When booking 2+ nights through Virtuoso, do you book one night to your name and following to other travel companions name to receive 100 F&B credit each night?
Hoshinoya in Tokyo has better service than Aman Tokyo. While Aman Tokyo is more grand, Hoshinoya Tokyo beats Aman Tokyo in terms of essence. Hoshinoya is Japanese to the bone in a ryokan way while Aman Tokyo just looks Japanese if you know what I mean. The open sky onsen at Hoshinoya Tokyo is everything!
I'm just here to read negative comments from people who've never stayed here and probably never will. Love Aman Tokyo. The financial district is so wonderfully quiet at night.
-1 for not respecting onsen bathing traditions. The same would go at a Korean bath/spa. If they go as far as to put up a sign, respect it or don't partake. It's just nudity. Calm down.
Agreed with others that Hoshinoya next door probably offers a better value, especially booked early they have big discounts. The concept is so unique, and the rooftop onsen is pretty cool. Its really too bad they don't have any sort of views except the offices nearby.
Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho Luxury Collection. That is my "go to" hotel in Tokyo
Ben
going to Tokyo for a few days in January for the first time. Where would you recommend to stay
that would be central for shopping and good food
Thanks
I can't understand how this is the "best city hotel in the world". looks average to me. Have you visited Fasano or Palacio Tangara in Sao Paulo? Go there first and then and only then make that claim 😉
btw loving the reviews Lucky keep it up!!! i missed them.
@ lucky — German parents, German speaking, German passport, and loves the special Lufthansa treatment for Germans but can’t acclimate to Japanese bathing culture whereas German bathing culture isn’t even gender segregated?!?
One of the more mind boggling segments I’ve read on the website, lol.
I love Aman Tokyo. For a brief moment back when it opened the lobby and bar weren't open to the public, so it was extremely private, which I loved, it felt properly Aman, which at it's best feels more like a friend's beautiful residence at which you are a guest. But even now that Aman Tokyo is by comparison busy, it's still an architectural masterpiece that is a joy to spend time in. And in my experience at least, the service is still very personal for guests. I was there for cherry blossoms this year and various assistant managers kept coming up to me and introducing themselves and offering me their cards, maybe just because I'm weirdly addicted to cigars and spend each night in the cigar room and become a recognizable face during my stay. Obviously the best hotel in Tokyo. Too hard to compare to old-world European city hotels. Also, the Romanian bartender is hot, can we say that on here?
I, too, love Hoshinoya and prefer it over Aman. You certainly get a more unique experience at Hoshinoya.
Like the FS Tokyo... leaves me uncompelled to visit. I hope to try the Mandarin soon! Pen and Ritz? Oh man, sweet memories I will cherish forever... though in reality, give me any clean hotel with metro access and I will enjoy Tokyo anytime. Special place + people.
Wow, 2500 yen for a basic vodka cocktail is not out of line, not even specifying one single premium ingredient? In Japan alcohol is cheap in restaurants and bars as they want to drive people in for the food. Most classics wrongly composed as well, tells me about quality delivery VS architecture.
However, being open to public is not bad with those prices, will offset the cost of labor for serving the public areas for hotel guest and hopefully make that more consistent even in a financial downturn where two rounds of drinks for two would get you a room in Tokyo (where you barely stay in the hotel anyhow) but give the “Aman experience” anyhow...
@ Chris -- You're not paying for the drink, you're paying for the setting. Arguably it's ridiculous to pay $10 for a cocktail when you could make one at home. 😉 It won't be for everyone, but I do think it could be worth it for someone who wants to visit the hotel without staying there.
@ Leo Guam -- Hah, in fairness, I'm not someone who likes pools, oceans, or anything with water. I try to limit my exposure to water when I drink it and when I shower.
@Schar- agreed that Fasano is a winner (and for me its my favorite city hotel). The hotel just exudes style by the architects and by the staff. The rooftop spa is also a hidden pleasure.
Aman, for me, always seems stiff and cold.
Just stayed there for two nights. The design is impeccable, the room is gorgeous. The service isn’t up there, we had multiple issues and the bar staff seems untrained, at least for these standards. I would pick the Park Hyatt in Tokyo anytime over Aman on future visits, Aman misses personality.
Really don't understand the point of staying at Aman's. Really a joke of a waste of money. I'd rather come for a few drinks and call it a day. Much better hotels to stay at in Japan. Credit card referrals and clicks must be paying nicely. Or your trust fund.
Wait a second. They just offer set breakfast and that`s it? While I value an a-la-carte brekfast with high quality dishes, I`ve been to many hotels where they set up a small buffet apart from that.
Especially when I am on a city trip, I prefer to have a huge breakfast, a snack for lunch and spoil myself for dinner.
The architecture looks beautiful though! Maybe it`s time for a post where you mention the top/worst 3 Amans you have visited? After your recent reviews I am just struggling to risk that huge amount of money for a non-consistent service-level.
Lobby is impressive but.....
downward slide for Aman continues....luggage tags? Good luck, last few times I stayed at Aman they were not available.
It's hard for me to imagine that however rich I was I would ever pay these kind of obscene prices to stay in a hotel in a big city where there are so many other things to do rather than just hanging out in a hotel. A resort hotel, maybe.
I enjoy reading your reviews of these places I will never go,though.
Best city hotel? My wife and I stayed one night at Park Hyatt Tokyo and then the second at Aman Tokyo. Although Park Hyatt is dated, the service there may be better (particularly if you have stayed many times in the past). But there is one thing Aman Tokyo does better than anywhere in the world, IMHO: room service breakfast. We had an extraordinary continental breakfast, as varied and colorful (3 glasses of different colored Aman juices) as a Kaiseki meal).
@Lucky And did you see the perhaps surprising news that Aman is planning 3 (!) properties in Saudi Arabia!
I’ve stayed at the PH, Conrad, Hoshinoya, Aman, and Mandarin in Tokyo. The Mandarin is by far my favourite, but the Hoshinoya is the most special and unique. I agree with the inconsistency of the Aman Tokyo. The thing that really underwhelmed me was the concierge surprisingly. I do agree it has the best room service breakfast but Tokyo hotels are one of the few places I actually enjoy leaving the room.
@greg we also had issues with the concierge. Yashu?
Wonderfully nice man but set our trip on the wrong trajectory several times.
At those prices...me thinks not!
There's nothing wrong with the Comfort Hotel Tokyo Kanda - and it's a fraction of the price.
ok Lucky I have been to Tokyo many times on business, but going with my family (3 kids) to Tokyo for Spring 2023. Which hotel would be the best??: Aman, Mandarin, Park Hyatt, Hoshinoya, Ritz, 4-Seasons or Andaz??????